When most people think of window tinting, they imagine deep, dark shades that offer total privacy. But not every driver wants — or needs — a dark tint. In fact, 50% and 70% window tint options are becoming increasingly popular among Florida drivers looking to reduce glare and heat without sacrificing visibility or running into legal issues.
At Xcel Tint in Orlando, we frequently get asked: What’s the real difference between 50% and 70% tint? Here’s a breakdown to help you decide which one is right for your vehicle.
Understanding Window Tint Percentages
Window tint percentages refer to Visible Light Transmission (VLT) — the amount of visible light allowed to pass through the window. The lower the number, the darker the tint. So:
- 50% VLT lets in 50% of visible light
- 70% VLT lets in 70% of visible light
Both of these are considered light tints, but they offer distinct benefits depending on your priorities.
Key Differences Between 50% and 70% Tint
1. Light Transmission and Visibility
- 70% Tint: Offers a very subtle shade, almost invisible to the eye. It maintains nearly full daylight visibility while still providing protection from UV rays and glare. This is ideal for windshields or drivers who don’t want to change the appearance of their windows.
- 50% Tint: Noticeably darker than 70%, but still light enough to keep good visibility day or night. It strikes a balance between aesthetics, performance, and function.
2. Heat and UV Protection
While both options offer some degree of heat rejection, the type of film (ceramic, dyed, carbon, etc.) matters more than just the VLT.
- Ceramic 70% tint can block up to 99% of UV rays and significantly reduce infrared heat — without darkening your windows.
- 50% tint, especially in a high-quality film like carbon or ceramic, adds even more heat and glare reduction.
If you’re concerned about Florida’s intense sun but prefer a lighter look, either option can work — but 50% will usually perform slightly better in terms of glare control and temperature regulation.
3. Legal Compliance in Florida
Florida law requires:
- Windshields: Only non-reflective tint above the AS-1 line is allowed.
- Front Side Windows: Must allow at least 28% of light in.
Both 50% and 70% tints are well within legal limits for front side windows and are often used on windshields with clear ceramic films. At Xcel Tint, we ensure every install is 100% compliant with Florida law unless a medical exemption is presented.
4. Appearance
- 70% Tint: Nearly invisible, retains a stock/factory appearance. Great for luxury vehicles or clients who don’t want their tint to be noticeable.
- 50% Tint: Adds a slightly darker shade that gives a more polished, modern look without being too bold.
Which Tint Is Right for You?
Choose 70% tint if:
- You want to maximize visibility, especially at night.
- You’re tinting your windshield and want light UV/IR protection.
- You prefer a very subtle, factory-style appearance.
Choose 50% tint if:
- You want more noticeable glare reduction and heat rejection.
- You don’t mind a slightly darker look.
- You want balanced performance for daily driving in Florida’s sun.
Let Xcel Tint Help You Decide
At Xcel Tint, we offer premium-quality ceramic and carbon films in a variety of shades — including 50% and 70% — so you don’t have to choose between style, comfort, and visibility.
Our expert installers will walk you through each option and help you pick the film that matches your driving needs, personal preferences, and local tint regulations. Whether you’re interested in better protection from UV rays, glare reduction, or simply a cleaner aesthetic, we’ve got the perfect solution for your vehicle.